Trying to figure out what to take with you for a journey that will last around a year can be daunting. A traveler’s constant challenge is to take enough, but not more than necessary. Before you start packing, keep in mind that most of what you need is probably available at your destination. There is no need to feel pressured to take everything you own with you.
For starters, make sure you know what the climate is in the country you are moving to, and pack the basics to cover four seasons of life there. Consider bringing only the minimal amount of items you think you will need. Part of the excitement of living somewhere new is the shopping, and there will likely be many new things you discover you have to have. By only bringing what you absolutely can’t live a year without, you will give yourself the freedom to shop during your year abroad without the hassle of having to ship half your gear back home (this will also save you a bundle of money).
Beyond clothing and the necessary items such as eye glasses and prescription meds, keep other items to a minimum. Any toiletries you use will probably be available in your new home (unless you happen to be venturing out into the jungle somewhere, which as an au pair is unlikely). Do bring a few items that will remind you of home – a journal, a couple favorite books, maybe even a pillow or blanket. Having a few treasured things from home will help keep you sane on the tough days, and will be a comfort if homesickness sets in.
If you have any questions as to what you might need to bring (or not bring), don’t hesitate to ask your host family or au pair agency representative. They will gladly help you, and your host family will know what is and isn’t available, so that you can be sure you have all that you need. If possible, talk with other seasoned travelers, especially those who have lived where you are going. They will also be a tremendous source of help – not only for packing, but for any other travel questions as well.
October 19th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
There is so much conflicting information online. So, since you have already been an Au Pair to Germany, I thought I would ask you…Is there anything else besides my passport that I need to get filed for/filled out etc. before I leave?
I’ve had a few good offers lately that made me so nervous I’ve forgotten everything. I keep worrying I will forget something important. sigh.. anyway, it would be helpful to know if there is anything I am not thinking of at the moment.
Thank you.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:11 am
Unless laws have drastically changed and I have missed it, you should only need a valid passport to work as an au pair in Germany. Your host family should take care of getting your work visa. The only thing I suggest asking your potential employer about would be whether your knowledge of German will be tested, and how. I have seen that Germany now requires potential au pairs to have at least a basic understanding of the language before being granted a visa. This is worth checking into.
October 26th, 2008 at 2:04 am
Sorry for having asked a seemingly stupid question. As I get closer to “closing the deal” I get more nervous and forget everything I have ever learned in my life(including english!). The family I have been looking at for months seems interested in me too, and I just got/get worried about everything until it is official. You are required to know A2 level German. That I do know, because my German is still not very good. Partially because I sense my pronunciations etc. could not ever be truly correct without my being there to hear natives speak it.
Anyway, Thank you very much for putting me at rest on that.
October 27th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
No question is ever stupid…And while I don’t have every answer, I’ll help any way that I can. It’s understandable that you’re stressed and excited about your new job – and that’s perfectly normal, considering you’re looking at a new job, “family,” and country!
April 28th, 2009 at 1:14 am
I know this was a post from a while ago. I am going to be an AU PAIR in Germany in June.
Can you help me get more of an idea what to bring?
I’m having a hard time.
April 28th, 2009 at 1:29 am
Hi Mallory,
I would suggest taking as little as possible. You want to make sure you have clothes to cover each season, but only the bare essentials. You’ll probably enjoy shopping while you’re there, and you definitely want to have room to bring things back. As far as other things, I recommend plenty of contact lenses (if you wear them), an extra pair of glasses, as well as any prescription meds you may need. You never know what sort of medicines will be available, although chances are you’ll be able to get what you need in Germany. Concerning toiletries and such, you can find almost exactly the same things in Germany as you can back home, so don’t overload on shampoo, makeup, etc,.
Talya
May 30th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Hello,
I have been researching and researching for a while now, and haven’t come across my answer so I thought I’d post my question here and see if anyone can help me out.
I have been offered a position as an aupair for a family in Canada and have been emailing them quite freqently and we came across the matter of the visa the other day.
My host family is leaving it up to me to organise that but I don’t know how to. Especially because everywhere I look, it says that it is the families responsibility.
They also told me to come to them on a tourist visa because it is ‘easier and faster’ than going for the working visa. That would get me in a lot of trouble!!!
Does anyone know whether or not it is their responsibility? Or is it mine?
Also, what are the requirements of the visa… such as financial costs, experience etc.? I’ll be going to Quebec if that helps.
Thanks
May 30th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Hi Jess,
If you are planning on working for this family officially, than it is best that you get whichever visa would be necessary for Canada. You could look find an au pair agency in Canada and contact them for specifics, but securing a visa for you is supposed to be the family’s responsibility, not yours. Unless this is a family that you personally know and are comfortable working ‘under the table’ for, you need to make sure your arrangements are legal and correct (this is the best route even when you do know the family personally, to avoid an legal pitfalls). I would definitely suggest asking your potential host family to take care of this for you.
August 12th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Hi,
I’m going to Paris for ten months at the end of August. I’m not sure what I should take and/or how much I should take? I finally got my visa situation figured out which was more complicated than I thought, but now I have to deal with packing and I’m just not sure where to start. I’ve tried to research and find out as much as I can but I can’t find anything that is direct and more specific.
Thanks.
August 13th, 2009 at 2:15 am
Paris for ten months – how exciting! I’m sure you’re going to love it there…it’s a beautiful place, but I have been there when it was very overcast and rainy, so be sure to pack an umbrella!
The above post mentions the basic items you should be taking, and I go into more details in my eBook, which may help you out in other aspects of the au pair life as well.
All the best on your travels!